driftfleet | (no subject)

Who: the Vision and YOU
Broadcast: Video
Action: On Lyndia
When: Video is now, action through the duration of the system

[Video Broadcast]

[The video clicks on to a tunnel opening up to a spectacular cavern with what looks like a lava waterfall, casting an orange-red light onto the surroundings even though it's fairly distant. After a good long moment, the view swings back to the tunnel where a few sparkling rocks are embedded in the gray stone walls.]

I'm pleased to report that one can indeed find diamonds down in the lower mines, though they tend to appear rather close to lava flows. I'd advise caution if you'd like to seek them out, but I am reliably told the natives will craft them into a number of tools for you if you can acquire them.

[There's a brief hissing sound from behind the camera, and he quickly sets it down. The sounds of a scuffle and a high-pitched screech are heard, and after a moment he picks it back up again.]

Ah, and do watch out for the cave spiders if you traverse this deep. They're rather large.

[Action throughout the month]

[The Vision doesn't spend all of his time looking for underground treasures, of course. This is a great planet for some flying, especially when it means checking out some staggeringly giant trees and looking for novel fruits to bring home for testing, or gathering wood for various construction projects. There's also all of the neat tech to be found in the populated areas underground, so he can also be found shopping for upgrades, new media for the library, spare parts, and of course creature comforts. Maybe they even have some donut powder! And since it's been so very long, he can even be found at the water park wearing a ridiculous little yellow Speedo and looking like he's thoroughly enjoying the screaming crowds of young people on inflatable tubes.

Lastly, for those few who might remember, his birthday was officially set as May 16th last time he was in the Fleet, and it's quickly approaching....]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[Yes, well, it's only thanks to Steve that he thinks of it in the first place.] Yes, exactly. You know her general style. [And probably have a much better eye for it than most.]

--And for yourself? Is there anything I should keep an eye on for you?

[That explains everything. Steve has rings on the brain.]

Me? [She blinks at the question; Natasha's hadn't considered it.] Not that comes to mind.

I wasn't shopping for anything in particular.

Good, then I don't feel it's too much of an imposition to ask for your help.

[Not that he usually does anyway. He seems to study her for a moment.]

You look better than you have, recently. I'm glad.

I've been sleeping better. [Which isn't to say that she's always sleeping well; just now when she wakes up in a cold sweat, she's not alone.] Should I be worried about how I looked before?

[For that alone he'd be happy Winter was back. At least, he assumes that's why she's been sleeping better (but isn't gauche enough to ask).]

Er, I didn't quite mean it like that, Natasha. More well-rested would certainly be accurate, however.

[He lets out a puff of breath.] May I ask for your opinion on something?

[Oh, she knows he didn't. It's a convenient misunderstanding though.]

Always. What's on your mind?

Thank you.

[And, because it has been on his mind--]

I told Captain Rogers I wouldn't consider marriage while we were under the Atroma's control because it would be a promise I know I could not keep. It is enough that Wanda and I have one another now. But people still get married here. Am I wrong to think I should not?

[Oh, Vision. That wasn't the question she expected him to ask, and she hides it well but—it stings, knowing what becomes of both of them. Still, she manages a little bit of a smile.]

I don't think you're wrong. I think that kind of commitment is incredibly personal. If you wanted to get married, have the ritual, show the whole fleet you're official, I don't think that not knowing the future is a reason not to.

On the other hand, if you have each other, if you've made whatever promises to each other that you're comfortable with privately, I think that's between the two of you. You don't need a judge or a priest to make it more real.

[She hides it well enough that he doesn't see it, not as internally focused as he is.]

A public spectacle? [He looks thoughtful - it hadn't actually occurred to him, which is a little ridiculous given how he knows the press is having a field day over Tony's upcoming nuptials back home. But that's so far away from here - a lifetime away, in so many ways.] I think I see the appeal, though for us I believe what we have to say to one another in private is enough for now.

If that should change, though, you'll be among the first to know.

Comforting to hear it. [And sympathetic. Natasha respects the desire for privacy. Maybe more than she should sometimes.] Was Steve after you about getting married too?

Yes, he--er, "too"? Don't tell me he asked about yourself and Winter?

[Steve why.]

[Natasha nods wryly. Why indeed.]

I think he's excited to see everyone happy.

[He rubs one side of his temple in a classic human gesture.]

And I am, and it's good that he's excited for us, and yet--

[And yet something about the question's premise still bothers him, and it's hard to put into words.]

Well. I know he means well.

He does. It would be nice if he eased up on it a little bit, though. He brought it up with Winter too...

[She shakes her head. Both of them had said the same thing; that they weren't the marrying types.]

You and Wanda are happy, aren't you?

[Always, always, when he thinks about how he feels for Wanda his expression softens.]

More than I can express. And if I felt I had any say in whether I could keep that promise, I would make it to her in a heartbeat. But not now. Not when we could be taken away at any moment without even being given a chance to fight.

[Natasha's lip twitches, sympathetic and rueful at once—and touched by his emotion.]

I can understand where you're coming from there. And if you're happy with what you have, if you're comfortable with it...

Then it's no one else's place to say what you should do. It's between you and Wanda.

But I'm glad to hear you're happy.

Thank you, Natasha. [Her approval means a lot to him. It always has.]

It does help me to talk through these things with you. It feels easy to lose myself in worrying about what I should do.

You're welcome. You know you're always welcome to talk. You know where to find me.

I do. You're a good friend.